Argentine international Pablo Zabaleta would take the place of Sagna when the welcome Southampton at the Etihad Stadium. Here is predicted Pep Guardiola’s Strongest 4-3-3 Manchester City Lineup To Face Southampton.

Manchester City are sitting confidently in the 4th position in the EPL Table but they will know that his side needs to put in more impressive performance until the end of the season, they are now in pole position to quality for the Champions League football next season. Pep Guardiola’s side beat the Tigers – Hull City – comfortably in their last encounter but they cannot afford to drop any more points, with arch-rivals Manchester United breathing down their neck at 5th place. The Sky Blues will face a tricky game against the Saints as they travel to the St. Mary’s this weekend. Claude Puel’s side beat West Bromwich Albion in the previous round but have not been consistent and Guardiola will believe that his side can bag all three points from this tie.

Team News:

As far as the team is concerned, Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus remain unfit and still in recovery process but Manchester City do not have too many players missing for this tie. Full-back Bacary Sagna is ruled out for a couple of weeks and is the only other absentee for this tie.

Expected Lineup:

Manager: Pep Guardiola

Formation: 4-3-3

GK – Willy Caballero

Guardiola is still not trusting Claudio Bravo in the league and Caballero should keep his place in the first team for City.

RB – Pablo Zabaleta

With Sagna out injured, Zabaleta is expected to be brought back into the lineup and should start at left-back for Manchester City.

CB – John Stones

The English defender has found some form recently and Guardiola will need him to be at his best to take all three points from this tie.

CB – Nicolas Otamendi

The Argentine star has been the best defender for City this season and he is expected to start alongside Stones against Southampton.

LB – Aleksandar Kolarov

Though Clichy has been used extensively recently, Guardiola should bring in some experience in the form of Kolarov for this crunch tie.

CDM – Fernandinho

The Brazilian has been the first-choice midfielder for Pep and he will have a huge role to play if City are to take all three points from St Mary’s.

CM – David Silva

The Spaniard is right up there with the best in the league and the Saints will have a tough time in keeping him quiet.

CM – Kevin de Bruyne

Has been in sensational form of late and Pep Guardiola should trust him with the midfield duties alongside Silva for this game.

RW – Raheem Sterling

The former Liverpool star has cemented a place on the wing for City and will be a danger man to Southampton for sure.

LW – Leroy Sane

The youngster has been in some good goalscoring form and the manager will hope that he continues his good form on this trip to the St Marys.

ST – Sergio Aguero

The Argentine will be up against one of the most consistent defence in the league and will hope to leave his mark on this clash. Here is how they will lineup:

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